[HPforGrownups] Re: The Dursleys and Harry: Neglect or abuse?

[sherry Gomes]

No: HPFGUIDX 115190

SSSusan:
There is also, in PoA, the time when Aunt Marge is about to arrive, 
and Harry wants to cut a deal--he'll "remember" he goes to St. 
Brutus' if Uncle Vernon will sign his Hogsmeade form.  When he 
suggests this, UV threatens to "knock the stuffing" out of Harry.  
Also in the same chapter, we learn that Dudley's favorite form of 
entertainment is watching UV "bully" Harry.

So, while we don't SEE the physical abuse--I suspect JKR wanted to 
spare us the details?--it's fairly apparent, to me at least, that 
it's happening.  How could it be Dudders' favorite form of 
entertainment if it doesn't happen?

Siriusly Snapey Susan

Sherry now

Add to that the whole being locked in his room with nothing to eat but
cold soup being pushed through the door, once or twice a day in COS.  I
think the child protection services, here in the states, would have a lot
to say about abuse of a child in those circumstances.  I can't believe
that it would be considered perfectly normal and safe treatment anywhere
in the world.  I would call that abuse.  Even sleeping in the cupboard
under the stairs could be considered to be abuse, if it is the reason he
is small and kind of scrawny, as he's described in the first book.  No
sunlight, no air, not very healthy.

Sherry G